All of these pictures were taken using a microscope camera in Dr. Dare's Lab at Orlando Science Center. They are from a drop of pond water taken from Lake Estelle located next door. Take a look through our photo reel to see some awesome microscopic creatures!

The creature boxed in yellow is an example of an ostracod and is commonly known as a Seed Shrimp. Its body is protected by 2 half shells which meet at a hinge toward the top of its body. We found a mosquito in the 2nd stage of its life; eventually it will change and enter pupa stage of its development where it will then transform into an adult mosquito.

The nauphilus copepod has small antennae on its head that are used for swimming. The nauphilus stage is the first stage of development for crustaceans. What do you think it will look like when it grows up? We also found some nematodes, also known as roundworms. To-date over 28,000 different kinds of nematodes have been identified but scientist estimated there could be over 1 million different species.

The video features an ostracod that is first seen searching for food. Unexpectedly an adult copepod enters the frame and the ostracod appears to maneuver plants & algae around its self. See for yourself! Is it trying to hide?

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